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Upcoming COCA Conference Call/Webinar

Overview:CDC estimates that influenza virus infections in the United States result in an average of more than 200,000 related hospitalizations, and between 3,300 to 49,000 deaths each year, depending upon the severity of the influenza season. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months and older, and is the best way to prevent influenza. However, available evidence for seasonal influenza and 2009 pandemic H1N1 consistently indicates that antiviral treatment, when initiated as soon as possible, can have clinical and public health benefit in reducing severe outcomes of influenza. During this COCA conference call, a subject matter expert will review current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and CDC guidance on the use of antiviral medications in the prevention and treatment of influenza.

Overview:Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in the U.S. From 1992-2009, the number of reported cases in the U.S. tripled. Understanding the epidemiology and clinical features of Lyme disease is valuable for clinicians in emerging areas, clinicians in endemic regions who need a refresher course, and for health care providers in non-endemic regions who see travel-related cases. Join us for this COCA webinar where a CDC subject matter expert will review the epidemiology of Lyme disease, early signs and symptoms of Lyme disease, appropriate use of diagnostics, recommended treatment guidelines, and prevention practices.

CDC News and Announcements

CDC Scienceclips: Volume 4– Feb 21 (CDC)This week, Science Clips features scientific articles related to this month's Public Health Grand Rounds on the "Million Hearts" initiative. Million Hearts is collaboration between government and a broad array of healthcare organizations whose goal is to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes by 2017.

Prescription Painkiller Overdose in the US– Feb 17 (CDC)Overdose deaths from prescription painkillers have skyrocketed in the past decade. Every year, nearly 15,000 people die from overdoses involving these drugs—more than those who die from heroin and cocaine combined.

Public Health Preparedness

2012 Vaccine Recommendations: What They Mean for You– Feb 17 (CDC)As an adult, you can protect yourself and your loved ones by keeping your vaccinations up-to-date. This year, small changes give adults – and young children around them – better, long-lasting protection.

Natural Disasters and Severe Weather

Winter Weather: Hypothermia– (CDC)When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body’s stored energy. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature.

Winter Weather: Take Steps– (CDC)Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold-weather conditions. By preparing your home and car in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weather-related health problems.

Infectious, Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases

Influenza

Weekly Flu View– Feb 24 (CDC)During week 7, 7.3% of all deaths reported through the 122-Cities Mortality Reporting System were due to pneumonia and influenza. This percentage was below the epidemic threshold of 7.9% for week 7.

WHO picks two new strains for next season's flu vaccine– Feb 24 (WHO)The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended changing two of the three strains in next season's influenza vaccine for the Northern Hemisphere, ending a couple of years of stability in the vaccine's makeup.

Infectious Diseases

Protect Your Child from Rotavirus Disease– Feb 17 (CDC)Rotavirus can cause severe diarrhea, mostly in babies and young children. The good news is that there are vaccines to help protect your child from rotavirus disease.

Travel Safety

Current Travel Warnings– Feb 21 (US Department of State)Travel Warnings are issuedwhen long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable lead the State Department to recommend that Americans avoid or consider the risk of travel to that country. A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. Government's ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff.

Majority of dairy-related disease outbreaks linked to raw milk– Feb 21 (CDC)The rate of outbreaks caused by unpasteurized milk (often called raw milk) and products made from it was 150 times greater than outbreaks linked to pasteurized milk, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 13-year review also revealed that the states where the sale of raw milk was legal had more than twice the rate of outbreaks as states where it was illegal.

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